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I have seen Western Filament Spectra in bulk quantities on several websites for a good price. Has anyone tried this stuff? I know its not going to match up to Shanti or Laser Pro, but I would like to have a couple of spare linesets for special uses. I'm mostly concerned about braid slickness.

It's been a while so my memory may be a bit off, but I think Laser Pro is made by Western Filament. I don't recall ever seeing it on their website, but look at the Spectra braided fishing line as a similar product. The kite line is a mere niche market.

AFIK, Conrad was the one who learned how to make spectra kite line from Daniel at Shanti. After gaining his knowledge of spectra braiding and what makes kite line what it is, Conrad then went to work for Innovative Textiles and was the main influence for Innovative to create Laser Pro line. To my knowledge, he has never worked for Western Filament.

Spectra is Spectra. It is all the same. Spectra fibers are purchased from Honneywell corp., they are the patent holders and the original creators. It is how those fibers are braided together that makes kite line, kite line and fishing line, fishing line. Each have their own unique braid which could be a tighter braid, looser braid, linear braid, round braid, square braid etc... The way those fibers are braided together will ultimately effect how the line performs. Mix-matching braids is what causes certain lines to "lock up" or "bind together" when twisted around each other. For fishing line this is not a concern, for kite flying is is a major concern...and the main concern. The minor difference in braiding techniques is the reason that Shanti line and LPG line tend to bind when flown in teams. It also changes how the feedback of the lines feel in the pilots hands and also effects the overall stretch and/or creep of the lines themselves.

I have heard that it takes over an hour to braid up 10 ft. of 90# Spectra kite flying line. But it only takes 30 minutes to braid up 1000' of 100# Spectra fishing line. (numbers from memory and probably off a bit)

Saying spectra fishing lines are the same as LPG or Shanti because they both use the same Spectra is like saying wheel barrow tires are the same as steel belted Z-rated automobile tires because they both use rubber.

Kent, coming from a financial analysts point of view from manufacturing, I know your examples of braiding speed couldn't be correct from a cost perspective, but that's not important. My real reason for posting is your larger point (and my agreement) that the mfg process is the issue. The two products are similar, but completely different. I never ceased to be amazed by the mechanical engineers when they explained how minor differences in processing affected the final product characteristics. I had to investigate these issues all the time when reviewing capital expenditures and performing the cost-benefit analysis on whether or not the projects were worth the money.

...Saying spectra fishing lines are the same as LPG or Shanti because they both use the same Spectra is like saying wheel barrow tires are the same as steel belted Z-rated automobile tires because they both use rubber.

I don't think anyone is saying, or even implying, that spectra fishing lines are the same as LPG or Shanti.

But now that you mention it, Kent, wheel barrow tires are kinda like steel belted Z-rated automobile tires -- they're both round, inflated, roll and help hold an axle off the ground.

Spectra is Spectra. It is all the same. Spectra fibers are purchased from Honneywell corp., they are the patent holders and the original creators. It is how those fibers are braided together that makes kite line, kite line and fishing line, fishing line. Each have their own unique braid which could be a tighter braid, looser braid, linear braid, round braid, square braid etc... The way those fibers are braided together will ultimately effect how the line performs. Mix-matching braids is what causes certain lines to "lock up" or "bind together" when twisted around each other. For fishing line this is not a concern, for kite flying is is a major concern...and the main concern. The minor difference in braiding techniques is the reason that Shanti line and LPG line tend to bind when flown in teams. It also changes how the feedback of the lines feel in the pilots hands and also effects the overall stretch and/or creep of the lines themselves.

Too funny! You would have the fastest "rated" wheelbarrow on the planet! Better eat your wheeties before breaking that wheel barrow land speed record though.

As I commented in my post, the time to make spectra kite line may not be quite correct, I will have to get the actual numbers from Daniel next time I talk to him. I do recall that it was amazingly intensive and long to make kite line compared to the others types of line though.

Not trying to change the topic but does anyone know if Bonnie (Hang-Em High) will be opening anytime soon or if the bulk Spectra she was selling might be availale some place else? It's the "cheap" stuff... not the "good stuff" that Steve sells.

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